Robert Carr
Major : Political Science and Secondary Education
in Social Studies
High School : George Washington
High School
Hometown : Philadelphia, PA
Activities : Mission & Ministry, Student Activities Board, Yearbook, Student Government President, Orientation Leader
There’s not an apathetic bone in Robert Carr’s body. In fact, apathy annoys him so much that he’s been motivated to pursue a political career. But not just any political positions like senator or governor. No, Robert is aiming for the top. He dreams of a future as President of the United States. And Neumann College, he says, is helping him get on the right track to realize his dream.
“I like coming up with ideas and enjoy acting on them,” he says. “Neglect and apathy in this country bothers me. I don’t like when senators or others in political office don’t act when presented with good ideas. I’m motivated to do something when I hear a good idea, or when I think something is right and should be done. I like getting things accomplished. I want to make a difference in our society.”
Always interested in politics and involved in his high school student government, Robert recognizes he needs to be practical about his ambition, and take small steps that would create a foundation for his aspirations. His first step is completing his degree in political science and secondary education with a concentration in social studies. But he feels that his desire to teach may be overshadowed in time by his dream to run for political office, so he’s preparing himself for both vocations.
Robert’s vision of becoming president was “shaky” at first. “I was afraid and nervous about telling anyone about my lofty aspirations,” he says. But after gaining some confidence at college life during his freshman year, and speaking to his counselors at Neumann, he began to further explore his interest. “I took courses in foreign policy and government that would allow me to get a better insight into government as a career and increase my awareness of how things are done.” Completing these courses only served to peak his interest and reinforce his political career aspirations. The coursework and supportive faculty, he says, “gave me confidence to forge ahead.”
And forge ahead he has. Robert ran for president of student government and won the office for a three-semester term beginning this fall. He has also been instrumental in getting the Model UN program at Neumann up and running. This year he was one of eight delegates Neumann sent to the UN in New York for a week.
Robert credits his foreign policy instructor, Sister Elaine Martin, for his satisfaction with school and self-confidence. Sister Elaine, he says, is a “great facilitator” who is skillful at adapting what needs to be taught in a way that’s in tune with her students. “We learned solid debating skills, but in an atmosphere of openness and appreciation for different points of view. She helped me break my comfort zone to get to a deeper understanding of my personal goals. She helped me expand my horizons and think out of the box.”
Neumann College has been everything Robert hoped for and more from his college experience. Not only has the College been able to “inspire” him through courses, its faculty and staff, and an “open and caring atmosphere”, it has made a college education affordable. It’s also close to his northeast Philadelphia home. “It’s a perfect match,” he says.
